Arthritis in Dogs

Here are the facts:

o Dogs age 7 times faster than humans.

o Over half of all dogs over 7 years of age develop some form of arthritis.

o This joint condition affects up to 30% of family pets.

o Arthritis is one of the most life altering diseases affecting overall wellness and quality of life.

As responsible and loving dog owners, we have an obligation to learn as much as possible about this disease and relieve their pain of our pets. Dogs bring incredible love and joy into the lives of our families. It's also incredibly sad to watch your 4-legged friend develop an injury and/or grow older in pain. You need to watch for the subtle clues and get them some help ASAP.

What is arthritis in dogs?

Arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage that protects and covers the joint at the end of the bones. The pain, stiffness, and swelling are really not any different than arthritis in people. This disease is debilitating and can quickly turn your healthy happy dog into listless, sad, and full of pain.

Common Types of Pet Arthritis

Degenerative Joint Disease - Breakdown in cartilage and/or joints. May or may not have inflammation or swelling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inflammatory condition. Bone and cartilage erode and can cause complete fixation in one or more joints.

Hip Dysplasia - Ball & joint socket did not form correctly and tissue begins to deteriorate.

Osteoarthritis - Slow and chronic causing breakdown of cartilage. Joints and bone rub causing discomfort and pain

Ostechondrosis - Happens due to inadequate (improper) diet or poor breeding

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs include:

o Slowing down on walks or other exercise

o Limping

o Trouble getting up and down stairs

o Not wanting to play or jump around

o Flinching or yelping when touched

o Problems laying down or getting up

Can arthritis in dogs be prevented?

Arthritis doesn't just affect older dogs. Dogs are, by nature, very active and therefore subject their bodies to tremendous physical stress. Even younger dogs have injuries that increase the likelihood of developing arthritis in dogs. An injury can lead to arthritis in dogs very quickly --- unlike humans were arthritis may not develop for several years.

Larger dogs, as well as overweight dogs, are more likely to develop arthritis because they carry around extra weight. It's important to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrient requirements. If your pet is overweight, cut back their food intake only a little at a time until their weight is within the healthy guidelines.

Many people take supplements to protect their bodies from injury and ensure their bodies are working in top form. Dogs can benefit from supplements as well. One of the best supplements for dogs to prevent injury, as well as after arthritis has already set in, is liquid glucosamine. Glucosamine works at rebuilding cartilage and delays the further breakdown of cartilage. "Liquid" glucosamine works faster and better because it's more readily absorbed and doesn't have extra fillers like pills. Given together, Glucosamine plus MSM plus Chondroitin work great to relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs as well as work to rebuild the damaged cartilage. MSM acts as antioxidant to reduce joint inflammation and Chondroitin also rebuilds cartilage.

Taking care of your dog's health requires only a few proactive steps... mixed with love and your relationship is sure to last a lifetime.